Posts filed under 'Specialist Break'
With the compliments of google’s travel news - Check out the following:
For all the gay and lesbian travellers wanting to visit South Africa either on Safari or just to see the beautiful country, there is a new Travel Agency for you to deal with. They are called the South African Gay and Lesbian Travel Alliance (SAGLTA). They specialise in finding and representing hotels, guest-houses, bed and breakfasts, and game lodges who are gay friendly. They also attend to various other travel-related products. They aim to serve the international gay and lesbian community.
What a great idea. I think niche markets work brilliantly.
Do you have an opinion?
by Doreen B.
August 3rd, 2006
These days it seems like everyone’s been on a safari. You go to Africa, you stay in some bush-tastic holiday resort and get lugged around in a battered truck all day looking for the Big Five. Big deal. If you’re looking for something a little different, a safari with a bit of edge, then I would suggest giving Botswna Odyssey a go.
This is a company that promises to take you on a wildlife adventure you’ll never forget! During November large herds of both zebra and wildebeest migrate through Botswana so this is where all the action is. Where there is big prey there will be big predators and this is the main focus of the safari. You’re given front row seats to nature’s most gruesome show: survival of the fittest.
Tanzania Odyssey has already been going for a few years now and, based on their success, Botswana Odyssey is now offering tailor-made safaris for those of you who are looking for a real African adventure. They have a special introductory offer called Best of Botswana which starts in a cliff-top camp and ends in the Okavango Delta where, as I understand it, most of the action takes place.
Now I don’t know about anyone else but I would love to give that a go. The last safari I went on I was too young to remember…aside from the fact that we had cold chicken for lunch and got chased by an elephant! I’m sure it’s much more dramatic in my tiny-child imagination, so the chance to see the wildlife battle for survival up-close would be awesome. You even get to wonder around the bush with Kwe bushmen!
Botswana is one of the most desirable locations in Africa for all would-be safari goers so this company is offering visitors a unique experience; one that is not likely to be anything like your neighbour’s/friend’s/sister’s boyfriend’s mom’s safari holiday!
The introductory package is for six days between November and April. If you think you’ve got the guts then you should call Botswana Odyssey on +44 20 7171 8780.
So go on! I can’t afford to splash out on African safaris right now so I’m relying on the lovely visitors to this site to give me all the feedback I can handle. Please let us know what you think or any experiences you may have had because I’ll be travelling through you!
Sam Bam.
June 27th, 2006
An African Safari is a brilliant way to get away from it all and most people want the experience but they still want the modern day conveniences they have in everyday life. Most Safari’s will cater to your modern day needs and keep you happily entertained with the natural beauty of the bush, desert and wildlife. Only a handful have kept things simple - the way it was back then.
Botswana is usually associated with luxury Safari’s but for some people, luxury is best left for their everyday city lifestyle. What they really want is the real thing or old style safari. If that is what you are looking for, then read on. …..
If you are interested in exploring the more traditional type safari that people enjoyed in the early 60’s in Africa, then we suggest you consider Jack’s Camp in Botswana. It is one of Africa’s best kept secrets!
Jack’s Camp is in the remote corner of Botswana and oozes with the old colonial style charm. It offers a truly magical traditional safari experience. You can enjoy silence and solitude in the vast open spaces of the Kalahari Desert with not trace or a whiff of commercial influence in sight. You will be housed in tents made in the 1940’s and sleep on iron beds with worn out old Persian rugs to put your feet on in the morning. You will have the privilege of a real bushman as your tracker and escort.
It all sounds too good to be true and oh so romantic! What better way to enjoy a break from the big city lights, than to feast your eyes on flocks of flamingos, and thousands of wildebeest, zebra, cheetahs, hyenas and lions.
Jack’s Camp Office is in Francistown, Botswana. From Maun, Botswana you can take a 50 minute charter transfer. You can call Jack’s Camp Office on: + 267 21-2277 or Fax: + 267 21-3458.
It sounds wild and wonderful. Let us know what you think?
By Doreen. B
June 5th, 2006
When choosing a travel companion, trust me on this one - The Female Mosquito is a bad choice.
The recent death of Christopher Gallagher, the young British traveller who lost his life to malaria is not pleasant to read about but maybe we should see it as a wake up call. Most travellers are sensible, just like young Christopher was, and they make sure that if they are travelling to malaria infected areas like Africa, North, Central and South America, and Asia they take a course of anti-malarial drugs. However, some people are under the impression that they are immune and don’t bother to seek advice from the doctor before travelling and they put themselves and their families at risk.
As a travel guide website we would like to strongly recommend (again) that you check in with the GP long before you travel (even in Europe with the recent upsurge of measles) to make sure you and your family are protected.
Malaria is a rather nasty little illness and kills more people than the average Joe realises. Did you know that Malaria is a biggest killer than TB? It is even suggested that AIDS will not kill as many people as Malaria, which is a parasite injected into the bloodstream by a female Anopheles mosquito.
A tremendously popular family holiday for the British people is the wonderful African Safari. Now don’t let malaria put you off. Just make sure that you find out where the malaria hot spots are. For example, Malaria occurs in very limited areas in South Africa but you need to take medication if you are traveling to the Northern Province, Mpumalanga, and the north eastern part of KwaZulu Natal.
If you want more information, let us know.
by Doreen B.
May 24th, 2006
If you are thinking of booking a Safari to Kenya, and this is your first trip to Africa, I thought I would give you some sound advice about Kenya.
There is no strict dress codes in Kenya but you should be aware that the coastal areas of the country are predominantly Muslim. I say play it safe and dress conservatively when you venture away from the tourist resorts and hotels. You don’t want to offend the local people.
Of special note is that homosexual activity is illegal in Kenya. You don’t want to get on the wrong side of the law, so it is best to keep your private lives behind closed doors.
Other sensible travel advice to follow is to avoid travelling after dark in isolated places. Avoid carrying valuables or wearing flashy expensive jewellery in public places and try not to carry credit cards or cash cards around with you unless you really have to. Keep them in your safe at the hotel and finally, always ask for identification if you are stopped by the police. Thieves are known to pose as police officers.
I would generally follow these basic rules for most parts of Africa. I was born and raised in Africa and whenever I go back, I still consider the basic common sense tourist guide lines.
Steve
May 5th, 2006
I find it really refreshing to see the types of holidays available and especially designed for the people with disabilities. Here is one I found on Cruises - called the Jubilee Sailing Trust. They have two ships especially designed and purpose built for people with disabilities. This is not just a cruise but you get the opportunity to sail the ship as well. Isn’t that so cool!
Indigo Guide has general information about Cruises, which Cruise lines to use and Cruise Destinations etc, if you are looking to take a Cruise.
Like this blog? Dislike this blog? Why not add your comments?
by Doreen B
April 24th, 2006
We have some interesting Destinations for you to choose from in our Specialist Break section if you are tired of the same old trip across the English Channel.
Choose from the following: ALASKA - CRUISES - GOLF HOLIDAYS - GRAND CANYON - KILIMANJARO - LAS VEGAS - AFRICAN SAFARIS and ORLANDO VACATION.
Some quick facts for you: Did you know….
ALASKA
The USA bought Alaska from the Russians in 1867 for a mere 2 cents per acre
CRUISES
It is only a myth that Cruises are the most expensive type of holiday
GOLF
The worlds highest Golf Course is 14,335 feet above sea level and is situated in the Tactu Golf Club in Morococha, Peru
GRAND CANYON
Averages 5 million visitors per year and is one of the most studied geologic landscapes in the world
KILIMANJARO
The Leopard, bush pig and porcupine are common in Kilimanjaro but rarely seen
LAS VEGAS
Most casinos employ baby sitters to watch your children but to become a child minder in Nevada, they have to have an FBI profile completed, which must then be updated annually
SAFARI
Endeavour Safaris in Cape Town, South Africa specialize in accessible travel (Safaris) for disabled people
ORLANDO
Orlando was called Jernigan until 1857 when it was renamed Orlando, after Orlando Reeves, a soldier who was killed by an Indian’s arrow
Please give us you thoughts and comments on the existing information and also tell us what other Specialist Breaks you would like to see on our site?
Doreen B
April 6th, 2006
Who would have thought that Dubai Golf would cater for kids? Not me. The Montgomerie (Golf Club) Social and Sport Citizenship, offer family memberships and have facilities that will keep the kids busy. They will be able to watch Dad and Mum playing or they can learn to play the game themselves. This will only be beneficial to you if you are Living in Dubai or you visit Dubai frequently with the children.
If you are only visiting for an annual holiday with the kids, while Dad plays a round of golf or two with his mates, the kids can enjoy the movies and games at the masses of shopping malls in Dubai while mum spends all the money on good quality inexpensive clothes. They can also try their hands (or feet rather) at skiing at Dubai’s latest addition to their entertainment attraction - Ski Dubai (large indoor ski dome).
No trip to Dubai is complete in my opinion without experiencing the magic of the Desert. This was my personal favourite Dubai Activity - The Desert Safari.
There are several tour companies you can use but check them all out before you book as I am not sure they will all suit small children. The one I went on would probably be suitable for kids from the age of about 5 upwards, depending on the children themselves. If they are adventurous and are not prone to car sickness - go for it!
It does depend entirely on the children though. Some adults actually take strain because the dune drive can be quite hair raising. Its not dangerous but because we are not accustomed to the steep ups and downs you experience on the dunes, it feels like the car is not totally in control. In our vehicle there were 4 adults and two kids (my kids age 13) and the kids were fine but one of the adults started feeling insecure and car sick. The driver was really good. He stopped the car and let the chap get out to get some fresh air and drink water and we only continued when the guy felt better. The trip really is fun if you just relax and make up your mind to trust your driver! They are very well trained and its their job so they do it every day.
There is also the Wild Wadi water park (tel: 04-348 4444) if the kids get bored with the movies and the games arcades. Don’t forget about Dubai Zoo, where you can visit the rare chimpanzee’s and Arabian wild cats (these are specially bread in Dubai). You also have the Wonder Bus, a luxurious amphibious bus or the Open Top Bus that takes you around this wonderfully exciting city.
Not enough yet? OK, there is the Cable Car that takes you on a 2.3 kilometer ride over the gorgeous Creekside Park giving you stunning aerial views of Dubai. You can indulge in some Scenic Flying, another option for an aerial view of Dubai. You can do this in a helicopter, plane or hot air balloon.
If none of the above appeals then you still have para sailing, snorkeling, diving and surfing at the beach not to mention just plain swimming in the hotel swimming pool. If all this fails to make your kids happy revert back to the shopping malls. My personal favourite is Ibn Battuta Mall. It is a uniquely themed mall that offers great shopping, tons of restaurants, the movies (I went to the movies here and don’t worry, the movies are in English) and of course the games arcade.
I don’t think the kids will get bored but if you want more information on what to do with the kids in Dubai, let us know? If this is your first visit to Dubai, you may want to check our site for Essential Information on traveling to Dubai.
by Doreen B
April 5th, 2006
Hop on the Bus Gus, or would you rather Catch a Cruise Cate? Thinking of taking that cruise of a lifetime? You may even be thinking of Working on a Cruise Ship. Have you thought it through yet? Planning for a Cruise is essential so we suggest that you make a list of your likes and dislikes, must do’s and must sees. Here are some suggestions for your list:
- Consider the type of food you expect to eat
- What type of activities and entertainment do you want (Do you want to just party all the time or do you want to relax totally or relax but party as well)
- Do you expect to go shopping
- Do you want to spend long periods at sea and just chill out or do you want to stop at various ports to shop or just meet the local people and experience different cultures
- Are you traveling alone, with a partner, a friend or a family – plan accordingly
- Decide what country or countries you want to visit
- How much time and money do you have to spend
- What type of cruise ship do you want to travel on and check their itinerary suits your needs
- Check with each cruise liner what is included in their package deals
- Check out what cabins are available on the ship – remember you will be stuck with your decision for several weeks if it’s a long cruise.
Once you have completed your list you can hit the internet and spend hours researching cruises or you can contact a reputable agent to do the job for you. If you have your list handy it will make the task easier either way. If you are using an agent, we recommend you still do some research of your own so that you have some knowledge of what’s involved.
Our section on Cruises offers you a wide variety of information. Cruises are expensive and use up a large portion of your annual holiday time, so selecting the right option is critical. You sure don’t want to be stuck on a Cruise Liner that does not offer you the quality services you expect or the right sort of entertainment etc, so take some time to cruise through our section on Cruises and plan your trip well. Remember that Cruises are meant to conjure up good memories in years to come so make a well thought out and informed choice.
Our site covers information on World Destinations, Cruise Liners, Themed Cruises and River Cruises as well as Working on a Cruise Liner. We also tell you what’s involved in Booking a Cruise.
Take a look at Indigo Guide’s Cruise section and tell us what you think?
by Doreen B
April 5th, 2006
It really bugs me that weather plays such a huge role when I plan my holidays. If one feels like a break then one should be able to just pack and go. Oh well, life does not work like that so if you are looking for a destination that is good for holidays all year round, consider Tanzania, on the east coast of Africa.
The weather is great all year round for game watching and although the two rainy seasons (April to June and November to December) does not affected game watching; you will probably see more game during the dry periods because the animals gather around the water holes. If you want to witness the migration between Serengeti and the Masai Mara (one of the highlights that is a must see if you can), then you should plan your visit either from April to June or October to December (although migration does take place year round), because that’s when the Great Migration takes place.
If you are looking to Climb Mount Kilimanjaro (Africa’s highest peak) it is best to visit from August to October or January to March.
Mount Kilimanjaro is based in Kilimanjaro which is one of 26 regions in Tanzania.
Moshi is the capital of this region and other nearby national parks for you to visit (besides Serengeti) are Arusha, Tarangire and Lake Manyara.
Mount Kilimanjaro, which is basically a giant inactive volcano, has been attracting global attention lately not because of any volcanic activity but because the snow cap that has covered the mountain for nearly 12,000 years has dropped by more than 80% in the last century. In March 2005, the peak had almost no snow at all. This loss of ice on Kilimanjaro actually affects the local population because they depend on the water from the ice fields during the dry seasons.
Did you know that Mt Kilimanjaro is the highest point in the world to be covered by a GSM mobile phone network (Vodacom)?
Did you know that because of the equatorial location and huge height, people climbing Kilimanjaro can experience almost every climate type on earth during their journey to the top?
Did you know that Tanzania has vast amounts of natural resources like gold deposits which they have not really tapped into?
Now that you have all this lovely information, you can pack your bags and go. Before you leave, check with the health services as to what vaccinations you need. I am aware of the Yellow fever vaccination and naturally malaria needs to be on the top of your list as well. Have fun!
Want more information? Whats missing?
Add your comments to the Indigo Guide forum
by Doreen B
April 4th, 2006
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